Search Results (86)

Agricultural waste materials can serve as functional constituents in cement-based composites through three pathways: (i) organic bio-aggregates that lower density and alter thermal behavior, (ii) lignocellulosic fibers that control cracking and improve post-cracking resistance, and (iii) agro-ash supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that densify pore structure and reduce permeability when ash quality and curing are controlled. This review draws on 98 papers, with coconut shell aggregate and coir/coconut fibers as the core focus; agro-ash SCMs (notably palm oil fuel ash, POFA, and rice husk ash, RHA) enter where they clarify mechanisms or inform hybrid design. Rather than cataloging compressive-strength data, the synthesis is organized around controllable process inputs (feedstock conditioning, mix design, curing) and the interface-governed mechanisms that determine performance: interfacial transition zone (ITZ) character and pore connectivity. In coconut shell systems, density reductions come at a cost: elastic modulus drops and moisture sensitivity rises unless shell conditioning, particle packing, and matrix refinement are managed. In fiber systems, gains in toughness and residual capacity are bounded by mixing workability and by the long-term stability of the fiber–matrix bond under alkaline and wet–dry exposure. A mix must first meet strength, serviceability, and transport requirements before its embodied impact is compared with conventional alternatives. The contribution is to reframe these systems around controllable processing and interface mechanisms instead of tabulated strength values; preparation, treatment, and characterization data are consolidated into bounded design windows, an explicit core versus supporting evidence convention is applied, and sustainability is judged under functional equivalency rather than per-volume carbon. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nipple trauma is one of the most common complications during breastfeeding and may lead to pain, discomfort, and the premature cessation of lactation. This systematic review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise recent evidence (2020–2026), reflecting current clinical practices and emerging interventions, for the prevention and management of nipple trauma in breastfeeding women. The primary emphasis was on pain reduction and healing with a secondary consideration of their impact on breastfeeding continuation and duration. Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and included a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Primary research studies published between 2020 and 2026 focusing on interventions in breastfeeding women experiencing nipple trauma or nipple pain were included. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The interventions included the topical applications of natural products such as olive oil, expressed breast milk, coconut oil, beeswax-based products, and lanolin, nipple shields, and educational interventions focusing on correct breastfeeding techniques. The findings suggest that several of these interventions may reduce nipple pain and promote the healing of nipple trauma, while breastfeeding education and professional support appear to improve breastfeeding experience and continuation. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of the included studies highlights the need for further well-designed clinical research. Full article

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where type 2 diabetes predominates. In West Africa, Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. is traditionally used for diabetes management. This study investigates previously reported metabolites from Uvaria chamae using an integrated in silico approach to explore their potential antidiabetic activity and underlying mechanisms. Methods: A comprehensive literature survey identified 106 phytochemicals from stems, roots, leaves, and seeds. Diabetes-related protein targets were retrieved from the RCSB Protein Data Bank, while ligand structures were obtained from PubChem and the COCONUT database. Molecular docking, MM-GBSA rescoring, induced-fit docking, QSAR, and ADMET analyses were performed to evaluate interaction profiles, predicted activity, and developability. Results: The integrated analysis supports a polypharmacological mixture-based profile with organ-associated trends. Stem- and root-derived flavonoids, particularly isouvaretin and diuvaretin, showed the most consistent profiles for PPARγ-related pathways, while uvarinol was associated with PTP1B. Leaf alkaloids were mainly linked to DPP-4 and digestive enzyme inhibition. These compounds displayed more favorable predicted pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles compared to acetogenins, which, despite favorable binding energies, were not prioritized as drug-like candidates due to their high lipophilicity, low QED values, and predicted toxicity liabilities, but may contribute to extract-level activity. Conclusion: These findings provide a hypothesis-generating and hierarchical framework for the prioritization of Uvaria chamae metabolites and extracts, supporting further experimental validation through enzymatic, cellular, and gene expression studies. Full article

The linear economic model continues to drive multidimensional environmental problems, as it generates large volumes of plastic waste, as well as agricultural by-products, such as coconut husks. On the other hand, the maritime industry still relies on conventional materials such as wood, steel, and fibre-reinforced plastics, which have several usage challenges, including corrosion, toxicity, and difficulties associated with end-of-life management. These issues point to the need for more sustainable material options. This review examines the potential of combining coconut fibre (coir) with recycled plastics to produce a functional material for use in the maritime sector. The material is designed to add value to waste streams by providing a practical approach to reducing dependence on conventional and less sustainable resources. The review discusses fibre treatments (alkali, silane, acetylation) and fabrication methods (compression moulding, extrusion) and evaluates their impact on mechanical performance and durability. The studies show that coir–plastic composites possess highly tuneable mechanical properties. Tensile strengths are reported to range from approximately 2.4 MPa for natural resin matrices to 78 MPa for polyester hybrids, while the flexural modulus can be increased by up to 99% compared to the neat polymer blend. Fibre treatments (e.g., alkali) and fabrication methods are crucial, as they have been shown to improve tensile and flexural strength by over 40% and impact strength by 150%. However, the composites produced still show vulnerability to water absorption, UV radiation, and biofouling, which could limit their application in marine environments. To this end, several issues require further study, including long-term field validation, enhanced understanding of material fatigue, and scalable manufacturing. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable energy sources has intensified research on the valorization of biomass residues as feedstocks for energy production. This scoping review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent technological approaches for converting coconut and açaí residues into energy carriers and bioenergy products. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In addition to synthesizing the existing literature, this study evaluates the technology readiness level (TRL) of the reported conversion pathways based on the experimental evidence provided in the reviewed studies. The literature search was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, focusing on peer-reviewed publications between 2015 and 2025 that reported experimental or pilot-scale research on thermochemical, chemical, and physical conversion processes for coconut and açaí residues. The TRL assessment indicates that most technologies remain at laboratory validation stages, with only a limited number reaching pilot or prototype demonstration levels. Nevertheless, several pathways—particularly thermochemical and densification processes—show promising potential for decentralized bioenergy applications. These findings are especially relevant for regions where coconut and açaí value chains generate significant volumes of agricultural residues. Their valorization could support decentralized energy systems, improve residue management, and contribute to sustainable bioeconomy strategies. Overall, this review identifies the main technological advances, limitations, and research gaps associated with the energy conversion of coconut and açaí residues, providing insights for future technological development and deployment. Full article

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are highly desirable nanomaterials for reinforcing biopolymer films. Coconut husks are generated in massive quantities after harvesting and processing, leading to waste management issues. This study isolated and characterized CNCs from young (y-CNCs) and mature (m-CNCs) coconut husks via acid hydrolysis (32% H₂SO₄, 50 °C, 5 h), comparing them with commercial CNCs (c-CNCs) to evaluate their performance in gelatin-based films. TEM confirmed rod-shaped morphology for all CNCs. Notably, m-CNCs exhibited a smaller particle size (199 nm), a higher surface charge (−46.8 mV), and superior crystallinity (63.98%), demonstrating properties comparable to c-CNCs. FTIR and XRD confirmed characteristic cellulose functional groups and crystalline structure, while TGA demonstrated excellent thermal stability above 300 °C for all samples. Incorporation of CNCs into gelatin films significantly improved tensile strength (from 15.63 to 24.93 MPa) and reduced water vapor permeability (from 2.65 to 2.43 × 10⁻¹⁰ g m m⁻² s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹; p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate how coconut husk residues can be upcycled into high-value nanomaterials fostering economic growth with innovation in sustainable manufacturing. This research also promotes responsible waste utilization, highlighting the benefits of biodegradability and a reduced carbon footprint for sustainable food packaging applications. Full article

Water scarcity is increasingly challenging greenhouse tomato production, particularly in Mediterranean and semi-arid regions where irrigation water availability is becoming progressively limited. This study evaluated whether a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) can support water-saving irrigation in tomato grown in coconut fibre. Plants were cultivated in pots under four irrigation amounts (100, 75, 50, and 25% of crop water requirement—WC) combined with two SAP levels (0 and 2 g L⁻¹). Irrigation was managed by a lysimetric control system. Reducing irrigation decreased total fruit yield (averaged across SAP treatments) from 100% WC (1212 g plant⁻¹) to 50–25% WC (914 and 624 g plant⁻¹, respectively), while non-marketable fruit number was unchanged (15.4 fruit plant⁻¹, on average). SAP increased total yield, averaged across irrigation treatments (from 925 to 1022 g plant⁻¹), and marketable fruit number (from 26.3 to 32.3 fruit plant⁻¹), without affecting unitary fruit weight (20.4 g fruit⁻¹, on average). SAP also increased net photosynthesis (from 16.0 to 17.4 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹), while stomatal conductance (0.14–0.15 mol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹) and WUE (4.0 µmol CO₂ mmol⁻¹ H₂O) were not affected by SAP. Total soluble solids increased under severe deficit (7.8 °Brix at 25% WC) and were enhanced by SAP (from 6.9 to 7.6 °Brix), while colour parameters were mainly driven by irrigation. Overall, the irrigation amount was the primary driver of performance. Moderate deficit irrigation (75% WC) maintained a marketable fruit number and total fruit weight comparable to full irrigation (100% WC). SAP amendment acted as a complementary tool to improve marketable production and net photosynthesis across irrigation levels, providing an additive benefit to crop productivity. Full article

Under drip irrigation conditions, the transport pattern of soil water in the root zone directly affects the water use efficiency of crops. The type of soil matrix, initial moisture content, and irrigation water quality jointly determine the hydrodynamic process of water infiltration. However, as a special type of irrigation water, the water movement mechanism of biogas slurry under drip irrigation in soilless cultivation substrates still lacks systematic investigation. In this study, transparent soil column infiltration experiments were conducted using two types of cultivation substrates—organic (coconut coir) and inorganic (desert sand)—under controlled facility conditions. Three initial moisture contents (10%, 15%, and 20%) and two irrigation water qualities (tap water and diluted biogas slurry) were combined to form twelve treatment groups. Soil moisture sensors and visualization techniques were employed to quantitatively analyze the wetting front morphology, vertical and horizontal infiltration rates, wetting ratio, and soil moisture profile distribution under different treatments. The results showed that the initial moisture content significantly influenced the advancement pattern of the wetting front. Higher initial moisture levels promoted the transformation of the wetting front shape from a “semi-pear” form to a “hemispherical” one and reduced the rate of infiltration decline. The coconut coir substrate exhibited stronger vertical infiltration capacity and a central water aggregation characteristic, whereas the desert sand demonstrated a wider horizontal expansion range. Under low and moderate initial moisture conditions, the application of biogas slurry enhanced horizontal water diffusion and improved the uniformity of the wetted zone, with the wetting ratio increasing by more than 6% compared with high moisture conditions. In addition, the power function model provided an excellent fit for the cumulative infiltration process across all treatments (R² > 0.96), indicating its suitability for describing the water transport process in facility cultivation substrates. This study provides theoretical support for precise water and fertilizer management and the efficient utilization of biogas slurry in soilless cultivation systems. Full article

Composting chicken manure is a source of significant ammonia (NH₃) emissions, which, because of propagation, contributes to the eutrophication of the environment and decreases in air quality. Therefore, it is reasonable to use methods to limit its emission into the atmosphere. Biofiltration, using the metabolic activity of nitrifying and heterotrophic microorganisms capable of oxidizing ammonia, is an effective method to reduce ammonia emissions. In addition, the performance of the biofiltration process depends on operational parameters such as the humidity of the medium, the temperature, the contact time of the gas with the biofiltering medium, and the chemical composition and structure of the filter material. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of biofilter fillings in reducing ammonia emissions from composting chicken manure along with the identification of factors allowing us to determine the proposed design solution as the most advantageous in terms of efficiency. Experiments on reducing odour emissions with biofiltration were carried out in two compact composting reactors, in which a compost mixture with a C:N ratio of 10:1 was used. The mixture was prepared in a ratio of 5:1 of chicken manure to the structuring material, with wheat straw used as the structuring material. Based on the results of the research on the course of the composting process, high values of ammonia concentration were recorded. Ammonia concentrations of 886 ppm (composter 1) and 811 ppm (composter 2) were recorded, which confirms the intensive nature of this gas emissions during the process of stabilizing the chicken manure. As part of the conducted research, the effectiveness of biofiltration in reducing ammonia emissions was evaluated by analysing the influence of the aeration intensity of the biofilter (20 dm³/h and 50 dm³/h), directly determining the time of contact of the gas with the bed (EBCT—Empty Bed Contact Time). Coconut-activated carbon was used as a filter bed, which was an effective carrier for the development of microorganisms responsible for the biological removal of ammonia from waste gases generated during composting. In addition, this material showed the ability to physically adsorb ammonia, thus supporting the process of its elimination. Each of the test stations has been equipped with a biofiltration installation. To determine the effectiveness of biological removal of ammonia and to assess the legitimacy of the use of selected strains of microorganisms in the process of biological removal of ammonia, the bed of one of the biofilters (biofilter 2) was inoculated with a strain of nitrifying bacteria. During the study, the high efficiency of ammonia removal because of biofiltration was noted in each of the configurations. In the case of an aeration intensity of 20 dm³/h, a reduction in emissions of 99% was achieved; with a higher aeration value, i.e., 50 dm³/h, the efficiency was 89%. These results indicate that the intensity of aeration has a significant impact on the efficiency of the biofiltration process. The analysis of a biofilter enriched with a strain of nitrifying bacteria requires long-term testing. This is important to reliably determine the effect of inoculation on the efficiency of the biological removal of ammonia in biofilters. It has been shown that optimizing these factors allows us to achieve a reduction in ammonia emissions of up to 90%, while minimizing the formation of unpleasant odours. The use of biofiltration in composting systems for organic waste of animal origin is an effective, sustainable solution that fits into the idea of sustainable development, combining the efficiency of air purification technology with environmental protection and the responsible management of resources. This study demonstrates that biofiltration using coconut-shell-activated carbon is an effective and economical method for reducing ammonia and odour emissions from composting chicken manure. The results provide valuable theoretical and practical information on emissions management in organic waste composting processes. Data from this study could be useful in developing strategies to minimize odour emissions, including from the agricultural sector. Full article

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations constitute the largest artificial ecological forest systems in tropical regions of China, while long-term monoculture has significantly reduced biodiversity, particularly among insect communities. Rubber-based agroforestry systems are widely recognized as a promising approach to improving ecosystem functionality. However, the mechanisms by which different intercropping patterns affect insect community dynamics remain poorly understood. This study systematically evaluated the effects of eight rubber-based agroforestry systems on insect community diversity, functional group composition, and associated environmental drivers. Using rubber monoculture as a control, seven rubber-based agroforestry systems were investigated from April 2024 to March 2025. A total of 94,483 insect individuals belonging to 16 orders, 222 families, and 1560 species were recorded. The results indicate that the rubber–fig (Ficus hirta) and rubber–banana (Musa nana) agroforestry systems supported higher insect richness, diversity, and community stability than other systems, while the more complex rubber–coconut (Cocos nucifera)–fig (Ficus hirta) system exhibited a relatively lower value. Functionally, herbivores dominated the rubber monoculture system. The moderately grazed rubber–forage grass (Brachiaria eruciformis)–black goat agroforestry system promoted predators and detritivores, whereas the rubber–konjak (Amorphophallus bulbifer) agroforestry system attracted more omnivores. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed that insect species composition was primarily negatively driven by canopy cover (R² = 14.65%) and management intensity (R² = 11.54%). The ecological benefits of rubber-based agroforestry systems depend not only on crop species diversity but also on vegetation structural complexity and management practices. It is recommended to promote the rubber–banana and rubber–fig agroforestry systems as optimized models and to enhance insect-mediated ecosystem services by maintaining understory vegetation structure, regulating canopy cover, and implementing low-intervention management practices. Full article

Global vegetable production exceeded 1.2 billion tons in 2022, with bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) accounting for 37 million tons, a crop of high value due to its versatility, commercial demand, and nutritional properties. In the Dominican Republic, greenhouse vegetable production has experienced accelerated growth over the last 23 years, reaching over 10 million m² of infrastructure and increasing pepper production from 9122 to 32,000 tons. However, limitations in technical information regarding nutritional management and substrate use persist, despite the extensive empirical experience of producers and technicians. This study evaluated the effect of three fertigation programs (low, medium, and high doses: FP1, FP2, and FP3) and three substrates (carbonized rice husk- CRH, coconut fiber-CF, and a 1:1 Mix) on 180 plants grown for 141 days in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized split-plot design. Growth, physiological, quality, and yield indicators were measured. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained 88% of the variability, showing that FP2 and FP3, combined with BRH and the 1:1 Mix, generated greater plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, and canopy development, while FP1 and CF were associated with lower performance. Regarding fruit quality, the BRH and 1:1 Mix substrates yielded higher values for length, width, and weight, whereas °Brix content responded primarily to fertigation doses. Total yield confirmed this pattern, highlighting FP3–BRH as the best combination evaluated and FP1–CF as the one with the lowest productivity. Full article

The citrus processing industry generates large amounts of organic residues whose sustainable management is a major environmental challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating citrus-derived waste (CW) into coconut-coir-based substrates on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Proxy) under different irrigation regimes (I) in a factorial design (CW × I) with three replications. Each replicate consisted of six plants (pots), and the replicate was considered the experimental unit. Plants were grown in substrates amended with 0%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25.0%, and 37.5% (v/v) citrus waste and subjected to three water regimes (100%, 75%, and 50% of the standard water supply). Plant growth, biomass allocation, yield components, and fruit quality traits were assessed. Results indicate that CW can be incorporated into coconut-coir substrates without detectable penalties in total production at low-to-moderate rates (6.25–12.5%) across all irrigation regimes. Yield reductions of 18% (from 3398 to 2789 g plant⁻¹) attributable to CW were observed mostly at the highest inclusion rates under moderate deficit irrigation (75% water supply), whereas under severe deficit (50% water supply), production declined across all CW rates, including 0%, indicating that water deficit has a dominant limiting effect. Fruit quality parameters were generally maintained or improved in amended substrates, particularly under reduced irrigation with deficit irrigation, generally increasing total soluble solids at 100%, 75%, and 50% WC (+13%, +19%, and +9%, respectively). Overall, these findings support the use of citrus waste at low-to-moderate proportions as a sustainable amendment for soilless tomato cultivation without marked negative effects on yield and fruit quality, enabling its use as a locally sourced substrate component within circular-economy strategies. Full article

Coconut coir, a key substrate in soilless cultivation, presents challenges for accurate moisture detection because of its complex internal structure, which limits the understanding of water infiltration and redistribution. This study employed RGB image recognition techniques combined with machine learning algorithms to systematically investigate the effects of initial moisture content (10%, 20%, and 30%), coarse-to-fine coir volume ratio (1:0, 1:1, and 0:1), and emitter discharge rate (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 L h⁻¹) on wetting front morphology, water transport dynamics, and moisture variation within coir substrates. Morphological features of the wetting front were extracted from images and incorporated into three machine learning models—Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), and Polynomial Regression—to construct a predictive framework for coir moisture estimation. The results showed that the SVR model achieved the best predictive performance in coarse coir substrates (R² = 0.89, RMSE = 3.37%), whereas Polynomial Regression performed best in mixed substrates (R² = 0.861, RMSE = 4.34%). All models exhibited lower accuracy in fine coir, particularly at high moisture levels. Under the same irrigation volume, increasing the initial moisture content enhanced both the water transport rate and the wetting front extent, with the aspect ratio (AR) decreasing from approximately 2.0 to 1.3, indicating a morphological transition of the wetting front from a “thumb-shaped” to a “hemispherical” pattern. Coarse particles facilitated vertical infiltration, while fine particles exhibited stronger water retention. By integrating RGB image recognition with machine learning approaches, this study achieved reliable prediction of coir moisture content and proposed an optimal management strategy using mixed substrates with an initial moisture content of 20–30% to balance infiltration efficiency and water-holding capacity while minimizing percolation risk. These findings provide a robust technical pathway for precise water management in coir-based cultivation systems. Full article

Biofouling communities are usually managed as pests in aquaculture, yet their natural proliferation in fish farms makes them also promising IMTA extractive components. The growth and biomass production of four dominant macrofoulers, Mytilus galloprovincialis (mussels), Sabella spallanzanii (polychaete worms), Phallusia mammillata and Styela plicata (ascidians), were evaluated under a novel IMTA system in the Ionian Sea (southern Italy). Coconut-fiber ropes (10 m) were deployed around fish cages in October 2022 and monitored over a 1-year cycle. Monthly density, length-frequency and cohort analyses combined with species-specific length-weight relationships were used to estimate target species’ growth and biomass. Mytilus and Sabella showed single-cohort dynamics, with densities steadily declining over time, whereas ascidians displayed continuous recruitment allowing for additional rope-deployment windows. Specific growth rates in length were significantly higher in Phallusia and Sabella (≈25% month⁻¹) than in Mytilus and Styela (≈17 and 22% month⁻¹). Total macrofouling biomass (live weight) increased from ≈350 kg in May to a peak of ≈2500 kg in August, remaining as high in October. Mytilus and Sabella accounted for 60–80% of total biomass while ascidians contributed 20–40%. Beyond environmental restoration, this multispecies biomass offers several potential commercial opportunities and could be further valorized through biorefinery-based cascading extraction, including final conversion into bioenergy. Overall, IMTA could leverage traditionally undesired fouling organisms as multifunctional crops, enhancing bioremediation while supporting circular blue-bioeconomy principles. Future research should focus on optimizing rope deployment timing, harvesting strategies, and biomass valorization pathways to fully exploit the emerging potential of integrating multispecies fouling biomass within IMTA systems. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial waste could be a strategy to improve organic waste management. The production of activated carbon (AC) is a path to use for this waste, with the aim of reducing its negative effects. AC is characterized by a high internal surface area, chemical stability, and oxygen-containing functional groups in its structure. This work is focused on the valorization of agro-industrial waste such as pineapple peel and coconut shells. These are made up of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and other essential nutrients, as well as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Activated Carbon was obtained with slow pyrolysis at 400 °C, for 4 h in a stainless-steel tubular reactor with physical activation. The obtained samples were analyzed using SEM, TGA, FTIR, and BET to verify the morphology, thermal degradation, functional groups and pores ratio of the AC, highlighting the presence of materials pore >10 µm. The TGA residual materials gave 16.3% of pineapple peel AC ashes and 0.2% of coconut AC. A C=C, C-H_X, CO, and OH stretching were observed in 400–4000 cm⁻¹. The peak intensity decreased once the biodiesel was treated with AC, because the traces of water and functional groups interacted actively, resulting a high content of bases. Activated carbon was used for dry cleaning of the obtained biodiesel from residual oil, which was effective in reducing pH and moisture levels in the biodiesel samples. Pore distribution was determined by BET, 5.6 nm for pineapple peel and 39.8243 nm for coconut shells. The obtained activated carbon offers a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon sources and contributes to the circular economy by recycling waste biomass. Full article